Structures and methods for increasing the speed of electroactive polymers
First Claim
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1. A structure, comprising:
- an ionic electroactive polymer having morphological features that confer anisotropic ion or mass conductivity within the polymer due to enhanced ion conductivity or enhanced mass conductivity in a first direction, wherein the first direction is substantially parallel to a surface of the polymer and the first direction is a fast transport direction, wherein the mass comprises an atom or molecule, and wherein the ion comprises a charged atom or a charged molecule; and
a plurality of pores located within the electroactive polymer, wherein the plurality of pores are substantially perpendicular to the first direction,wherein the plurality of pores comprise at least one of trenches, stripes, or cross-hatches.
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Abstract
Structures are provided that include electroactive polymers. According to these structures, the electroactive materials have enhanced conductivity in a first direction. Also, the structures include either pores or inclusions. These pores or inclusions are non-parallel to the first direction. In addition, methods for forming structures that include electroactive polymers that have enhanced conductivity in a first direction are provided. These methods allow for pores and/or inclusions to be formed in the electroactive polymers.
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16 Claims
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1. A structure, comprising:
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an ionic electroactive polymer having morphological features that confer anisotropic ion or mass conductivity within the polymer due to enhanced ion conductivity or enhanced mass conductivity in a first direction, wherein the first direction is substantially parallel to a surface of the polymer and the first direction is a fast transport direction, wherein the mass comprises an atom or molecule, and wherein the ion comprises a charged atom or a charged molecule; and a plurality of pores located within the electroactive polymer, wherein the plurality of pores are substantially perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the plurality of pores comprise at least one of trenches, stripes, or cross-hatches. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A structure, comprising:
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a matrix including an electroactive polymer having morphological features that confer anisotropic ion or mass conductivity in the polymer due to enhanced ion conductivity or enhanced mass conductivity in a first direction, wherein the first direction is substantially parallel to a surface of the polymer and the first direction is a fast transport direction, wherein the mass comprises an atom or molecule, and wherein the ion comprises a charged atom or a charged molecule; and a plurality of inclusions included within the matrix, wherein at least one inclusion in the plurality of inclusions comprises a fast-ion transporting material, and wherein the plurality of inclusions are substantially perpendicular to the first direction. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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14. An apparatus, comprising:
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an ionic electroactive polymer that comprises at least one fast ion transport direction and a plurality of pores, wherein the fast ion transport direction is substantially parallel to a surface of the ionic electroactive polymer, wherein the plurality of pores are substantially perpendicular to the fast ion transport direction, wherein the plurality of pores are configured to provide ions with access to the fast ion transport direction of the ionic electroactive polymer, and wherein the plurality of pores comprise at least one of trenches, stripes, or cross-hatches. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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Specification